wfn.org | Edgar, Edelman Lead Dec. 12 Vigil for Public Education Reform

[Carol Fouke <carolf@ncccusa.org>]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.
Contacts: NCC - 212-870-2252; Good Schools: 215-332-2700/275-7329
E-Mail: news@ncccusa.org or sheila@goodschoolspa.org
Web: www.ncccusa.org or www.goodschoolspa.org

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2001

EVENT:  MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN AND BOB EDGAR LEAD MONTHLY    INTERFAITH
PRAYER VIGIL FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION REFORM

ATTENDEES:
Marian Wright Edelman, President and Founder, Children's Defense Fund
Dr. Bob Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches, and former
U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's Seventh District
Rev. Gordon Sommers, Former President, National Council of Churches,
Moravian Church
Rev. Patricia McClurg, Former President, National Council of Churches,
Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner, Deputy General Secretary, National Council of
Churches
Rev. Roy Almquist, Bishop, Southeastern PA Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America
Rt. Rev. Charles Bennison, Diocesan Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of
Pennsylvania
Rt. Rev. Michael W. Creighton, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Central
Pennsylvania
Rev. Peter Weaver, Bishop, Philadelphia Area of the United Methodist Church
Rabbi Carl Choper, Rabbi, Temple Beth Shalom, Harrisburg
Father Anthony Ugolnick, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

PLACE: The Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg, PA

TIME: 11:00 a.m.

DETAILS:	On Wednesday, December 12th, Marian Wright Edelman and Dr. Bob
Edgar will lead an interfaith prayer vigil to bring national attention to
the severe disparity of educational opportunities available to poor children
in Pennsylvania.  Mrs. Edelman and Dr. Edgar, along with other national and
Pennsylvania religious leaders, believe that comprehensive school reform
must include adequate funds that are equitably distributed, using proven
educational programs, a set of common sense standards for excellence and the
accountability measures necessary for every child to succeed.  The December
gathering marks the fifth interfaith vigil for public education since June
2001.  Participation in the vigils grows each month.

-end-